Objectives. We have increased the dose of tranexamic acid (TXA) in our enhanced total joint recovery protocol at our institution from 15 mg/kg to 30 mg/kg (maximum 2.5 g) as a single, intravenous (IV) dose. We report the clinical effect of this dosage change. Methods. We retrospectively compared two cohorts of consecutive patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgery in our unit between 2008 and 2013. One group received IV TXA 15 mg/kg, maximum 1.2 g, and the other 30 mg/kg, maximum 2.5 g as a single pre-operative dose. The primary outcome for this study was the requirement for blood transfusion within 30 days of surgery. Secondary measures included length of hospital stay, critical care requirements, re-admission rate, medical complications and mortality rates. Results. A total of 1914 THA and 2537 TKA procedures were evaluated. In THA, the higher dose of TXA was associated with a significant reduction in transfusion (p = 0.02, risk ratio (RR) 0.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.58 to 0.96) and rate of re-admission (p < 0.001, RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.35 to 0.71). There were reductions in the requirement for critical care (p = 0.06, RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.31 to 1.00), and in the length of stay from 4.7 to 4.3 days (p = 0.02). In TKA, transfusion requirements (p = 0.049, RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.41 to 0.99), re-admission rate (p = 0.001, RR 0.56, 95% CI 0.39 to 0.80) and critical care requirements (p < 0.003, RR 0.34, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.72) were reduced with the higher dose. Mean length of stay reduced from 4.6 days to 3.6 days (p < 0.01). There was no difference in the incidence of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, gastrointestinal bleed, myocardial infarction, stroke or death in THA and TKA between cohorts. Conclusion. We suggest that a single pre-operative dose of TXA, 30 mg/kg, maximum 2.5g, results in a lower transfusion requirement compared with a lower dose in patients undergoing elective primary hip and knee arthroplasty. However, these findings should be interpreted in the context of the retrospective non-randomised study design. Cite this article: R. J. M. Morrison, B. Tsang, W. Fishley, I. Harper, J. C. Joseph, M. R. Reed. Dose optimisation of intravenous tranexamic acid for elective hip and knee arthroplasty: The effectiveness of a single pre-operative dose. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:499–505. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.68.BJR-2017-0005.R1

Aims. The intra-articular administration of tranexamic acid (TXA) has been shown to be effective in reducing blood loss in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty and anterior cruciate reconstruction. The effects on human articular cartilage, however, remains unknown. Our aim, in this study, was to investigate any detrimental effect of TXA on chondrocytes, and to establish if there was a safe dose for its use in clinical practice. The hypothesis was that TXA would cause a dose-dependent damage to human articular cartilage. . Materials and Methods. The cellular morphology, adhesion, metabolic activity, and viability of human chondrocytes when increasing the concentration (0 mg/ml to 40 mg/ml) and length of exposure to TXA (0 to 12 hours) were analyzed in a 2D model. This was then repeated, excluding cellular adhesion, in a 3D model and confirmed in viable samples of articular cartilage. Results. Increasing concentrations above 20 mg/ml resulted in atypical morphology, reduced cellular adhesion and metabolic activity associated with increased chondrocyte death. However, the cell matrix was not affected by the concentration of TXA or the length of exposure, and offered cellular protection for concentrations below 20 mg/ml. Conclusion. These results show that when in vitro chondrocytes are exposed to higher concentrations of TXA, such as that expected following recommended intra-articular administration, cytotoxicity is observed. This effect is dose-dependent, such that a tissue concentration of 10 mg/ml to 20 mg/ml could be expected to be safe. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:404–12

The use of antifibrinolytic drugs and many other agents have a critical importance in bleeding control. Tranexamic acid [4- (aminomethyl) cyclohexanecarboxylic acid] is a synthetic amino acid lysine derivative with antifibrinolytic activity in humans. There are many studies in the literature that show that it is effective and effective both systemically and locally in spinal surgery. However, all of these studies have investigated the effects of topical tranexamic acid on bleeding and its effect on fusion has not been investigated yet. Aim of this study is to investigate the effect of topical tranexamic acid on fusion using macroscopic, radiologic and microscopic techniques. After approve of ethics committee with the protocol number 19/2019 for 28 Wistar Albino rats underwent intertransvers fusion. All rats were randomized into four (4) groups, using sealed envelopes. Local tranexamic acid (Transamin® 100 mg/ml, Teva İlaç, İstanbul) doses was determined based on previously conducted studies; 1mg/kg (D1 group), 10mg/kg (D10 group), 100 mg/kg (D100 group) and no tranexamic acid (D0 group). At the end of 8. th. weeks all rats were evaluated with manuel palpation, mammography and histopathologic analysis. Radiographic examination was performed two times to evaluate the intra and inter observer differences. 2 rats in-group D0 died after the radiographic examination. Assessment of fusion with manual palpation revealed that use of local 1mg / kg tranexamic acid had no effect on fusion (p=0.32), however with increasing doses of tranexamic acid had negative effect on fusion (p=0.002). On radiologic examination, spearman's rho correlation coefficient was found to be moderate in the first evaluation (r=0.46) and high in second evaluation (r=0.61). Radiological examination revealed that the control group was the best in fusion (p=0.007), and that tranexamic acid affected fusion adversely, independent of dosage (p=0.27). Among the groups in histopathologic examination, no statistical difference was found (p=0.134). Local administration of tranexamic acid affects the intertransverse fusion adversely depending on the dosage macroscopically and it also affects fusion adversely independent of the dosage radiologically and histopathologically

To compare the efficacy of intra-articular and intravenous modes of administration of tranexamic acid in primary total knee arthroplasty in terms of blood loss and fall in haemoglobin level. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial. Duration of Study: Six months, from May 2019 to Nov 2019. Seventy-eight patients were included in the study. All patients undergoing unilateral primary total knee replacement were included in the study. Exclusion criteria were patients with hepatitis B and C, history of previous knee replacement, bilateral total knee replacement, allergy to TXA, Hb less than 11g/dl in males and less than 10g/dl in females, renal dysfunction, use of anticoagulants for 7 days prior to surgery and history of thromboembolic diseases. Patients were randomly divided into group A and B. Group A patients undergoing unilateral primary total knee replacement (TKR) were given intravenous tranexamic acid (TXA) while group B were infiltrated with intra-articular TXA. Volume of drain output, fall in haemoglobin (Hb) level and need for blood transfusion were measured immediately after surgery and at 12 and 24 hours post operatively in both groups. The study included 35 (44.87%) male and 43 (55.13%) female patients. Mean age of patients was 61 ± 6.59 years. The mean drain output calculated immediately after surgery in group A was 45.38 ± 20.75 ml compared with 47.95 ± 23.86 ml in group B (p=0.73). At 24 hours post operatively, mean drain output was 263.21 ± 38.50 ml in intravenous group versus 243.59 ± 70.73 ml in intra-articular group (p=0.46). Regarding fall in Hb level, both groups showed no significant difference (p>0.05). About 12.82% (n=5) patients in group A compared to 10.26% (n=4) patients required blood transfusion post operatively (p=0.72). Intra-articular and intravenous TXA are equally effective in patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty in reducing post-operative blood loss

Background. Tranexamic acid (TXA) and fibrin sealants have gained widespread use in total knee arthroplasty. They can decrease bleeding, drainage volume, hematoma formation, and incidence of blood transfusion. However, they are costly and carry a theoretical risk of infection transmission and thrombosis. This study compares the two pharmacologic interventions to preoperative autologous blood donation as well as no intervention. Methods. This prospective study evaluated a process change within our blood management program over the last five years. The program began initially with a comparison of only routine hemostasis compared to routine preoperative autologous blood donation (PABD) for all patients (Group 1), which then evolved into a targeted PABD protocol where only anaemic patients predonated (Group 2). Subsequently, patients received topical fibrin sealant for a year (Group 3), after which the topical TXA protocol was introduced and is still in place (Group 4). Results. 838 patients went through the blood management protocols. 86 patients (10%) received allogeneic blood: 6 (5%) in Group 1; 18 (9%) in Group 2; 18 (14%) in Group 3; 20 (7%) in Group 4, and 24 (26%) in the control group. No significant difference was observed between the fibrin sealant group and the TXA group with regard to the need for transfusion, but both were significantly lower than controls. The TXA group registered the lowest volume of blood loss, shortest length of stay, and lowest cost. These results were more pronounced in anaemic patients. Conclusion. Both TXA and fibrin sealants were effective in reducing transfusion risk compared to control as well as PABD in primary unilateral total knee arthroplasty. Given the equivalent eαects of both pharmacologic interventions in this study, together with the cost considerations and theoretical harms from the use of blood-derived products, it would seem prudent to use tranexamic acid in preference to fibrin sealants

Introduction and Objective. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is used across surgical specialties to reduce perioperative bleeding. It has been shown to be effective in trauma, spinal surgery, and lower limb arthroplasty. The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical effectiveness of TXA in all types of shoulder surgery on bleeding and non-bleeding related outcomes. Materials and Methods. This study was registered prospectively on the PROSPERO database (ref: CRD42020185482). A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) investigating intra-operative use of TXA versus placebo in any type of surgery to the shoulder girdle. Electronic databases searched included MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychINFO, and the Cochrane Library. Risk of bias within studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias v2.0 tool and Jadad score. Certainty of findings were reported using the GRADE approach. The primary outcome was total blood loss. Secondary outcomes included patient reported outcome measures, adverse events, and rate of blood transfusion. Results. Eight RCTs were included in the systematic review and data from 7 of these studies pooled in the meta-analysis. A total of 708 patients were randomized across the studies (406 received TXA, 302 received placebo). Studies included patients undergoing anatomic or reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, open Latarjet surgery, and arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Pooled analysis demonstrated significant reduction in perioperative bleeding with TXA compared to controls; estimated total blood loss (mean difference [MD], −209.66; 95% CI −389.11 to −30.21; p=0.02), and post-operative blood loss (via drain output) (MD, −84.8ml; 95% CI, −140.04 to −29.56; p=0.003). A mean difference in Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) of 2.93 was noted in favour of TXA (95% CI 0.2 to 5.66; p=0.04). Conclusions. Whilst noting some risk of bias within the studies, TXA was effective in reducing blood loss and pain in shoulder surgery. There may be a benefit of TXA use in both open and arthroscopic shoulder procedures. Larger, low risk of bias, RCTs for specific surgical shoulder procedures are required

Abstract. Objectives. to evaluate the efficacy and safety of topically applied tranexamic acid (TXA) in thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis surgery, posterior approach. Methods. Thoracolumbar spine tuberculosis patients who requiring debridement, pedicle screw fixation and fusion surgery were divided into two groups. In the TXA group (n=50), the wound surface was soaked with TXA (1 g in 100 mL saline solution) for 3 minutes after exposure, after decompression, and before wound closure, and in the control group (n=116) using only saline. Intraoperative blood loss, drain volume 48 hours after surgery, amount of blood transfusion, transfusion rate, the haemoglobin, haematocrit after the surgery, the difference between them before and after the surgery, incision infection and the incidence of deep vein thrombosis between the two groups. Results. EBL for the control group was 783.33±332.71 mL and for intervention group 410.57±189.72 mL (p<0.001). The operative time for control group was 3.24±0.38 hours and for intervention group 2.99±0.79 hours (p<0.695). Hemovac drainage on days1 and 2 for control group was 167.10±53.83mL and 99.33±37.5 mL, respectively, and for intervention group 107.03±44.37mL and 53.38±21.99mL, respectively (p<0.001). The length of stay was significantly shorter in the intervention group (4.8±1.1 days) compared to control group (7.0±2.3 days). There was bo different in incision side infection and DVT. Conclusions. Topical TXA is a viable, cost-effective method of decreasing perioperative blood loss in major spine surgery with fewer overall complications than other methods. Further studies are required to find the ideal dosage and timing

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an antifibrinolytic that can prevent clot breakdown. Trauma patients often have coagulopathy which can cause mortality due to bleeding. The purpose of this review is to investigate the efficacy of TXA in reducing mortality in major trauma and secondly to look at patient's outcomes when using TXA in trauma. Searches were performed in PUBMED, EMBASE and other databases for randomised controlled trials (RCT) and observational studies. The author searched for all relevant evidence on the use of TXA in major trauma. Relevant studies were assessed for quality using the Cochrane's Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias. Eight relevant studies were identified from the search, 3 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and 5 observational studies were identified. Five of the 8 studies found a significance in mortality with TXA use. Three showed TXA reduced mortality including the high quality level I evidence, CRASH 2 study. Three studies found no significance on mortality. There appears to be no increased risk of VOE with TXA however results from the studies varied. No study reported any adverse events due to TXA use. There does not appear to be any significant benefit of TXA use in TBI but a trend towards lower mortality. There is a role in paediatric trauma despite evidence from only 2 observational studies. There is a high quality RCT to suggest the use of TXA in trauma patients with supporting evidence from observational studies. The outcomes in TBI are unclear. It may be beneficial in paediatric use but there is currently no level 1 evidence in paediatrics to support this. Further prospective studies looking specifically at role in TBI and paediatric trauma are required to support routine use in these specific populations

This study aims to investigate that a single dose of tranexamic acid (TXA) will reduce blood loss and transfusion rates in elderly patients, undergoing intertrochanteric (IT) or femoral neck fractures surgery. Consecutive elderly patients receiving hip fracture surgery for stable or unstable IT fracture, treated with short intramedullary nail (IMN) insertion as well as cemented hemiarthroplasty for acute femoral neck (subcapital) hip fracture, were screened for inclusion in this single-centre randomized trial. Patients were randomly allocated to a study group by sealed envelope. One TXA dose of 15 mg/kg i.v. diluted in 100 ml N/S or one placebo dose i.v. in 100 ml N/S were administered 5 mins before the skin cut. Haemoglobin (Hb) concentration was measured at admission time and prior to surgery. Post-operatively it was measured on a daily basis until day 4, giving a total of four Hb measurements (days 1 to 4). The transfusion trigger point was determined in accordance with the French guidelines for erythrocyte blood transfusion. The transfusion trigger was 10 g/dl for patients at risk, while in all other cases, it was 9 g/dl. Information regarding the transfusions number was assessed directly by the hospital blood bank database. Blood loss was calculated by the Hb dilution method. Nadler's formula was used to calculate patients' blood volume. For calculation of total blood loss (TBL) expressed to total Hb loss and total Volume loss, the number of transfusions (55 grams of Hb per transfusion), the Hb concentration on preoperatively (Hgbi) and the Hb concentration on the last measure (Hgbe) were used. (Hb balance method). The primary efficacy outcome was the number of transfusions of allogeneic RBC from surgery up to day 4. The secondary ones were the total blood loss from surgery to day 4 as it was calculated by Hb-balance method. After randomization, 35 patients with femoral neck fracture and 30 patients with IT fracture received TXA prior to surgery. Respectively, 30 patients with femoral neck fracture and 55 with IT fracture didn't receive TXA. The groups did not differ significantly in their basic demographics (age, gender, BMI, injury mechanism, ASA score, co-morbidities). Results showed that patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty after receiving TXA, were transfused with less allogeneic RBC and had less total blood loss than patients that didn't receive TXA, but without statistical significance. While patients treated with IMN in the TXA group received a significantly lower number of RBC units than the control group (1.28 ± 1.049 vs 2.075 ± 1.685), (P = 0.0396), had a significantly lower loss of Hb (98.59 ± 55.24 vs 161.6 ± 141.7), (P = 0.0195) and a lower total blood volume loss (951.3 ± 598.9 ml vs 1513 ± 1247 ml), (P = 0.023). This trial confirmed TXA administration efficacy in reducing blood loss and transfusion rate in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery. A TXA single dose may be a safer option, taking into account these patients' physiological status and co-morbidities

Background. There are multiple documented advantages of undertaking total knee arthroplasty (TKA) without tourniquet, however, increased rates of blood loss and transfusion are often cited as contraindications to this approach. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of intra-operative TA administration on blood loss and transfusion rates in TKA without pneumatic tourniquet, using Rivaroxaban as thrombo-embolic prophylaxis. Method. 120 patients split into two continuous data sets, (A+B), underwent TKA without application of above knee tourniquet, receiving a post operative dose of oral Rivaroxaban within 8 hours. Group B patients received an intra-operative dose of 1 gram of Tranexamic Acid intravenously before the first cut, whilst those in group A did not. Haemoglobin and haematocrit levels were recorded peri-operatively. A revised Gross formula was used to calculate blood loss. Four patients were excluded from the study for incomplete data. Results. 58 patients (M34F24) in Group A, average age 6, had a mean haemoglobin drop of 33gram/litre, haematocrit drop of 0.097litre/litre (9.7%), with an average calculated blood loss of 1393ml. 58 (M34, F24) patients in group B, average age 67, had a haemoglobin drop of 25.2gram/litre, haemotocrit drop of 0.076litre/litre (7.6%) with an average calculated blood loss of1079ml. Thus Group A patients were seen to sustain significantly more blood loss without TA administration, with a 29.1% larger calculated blood loss, a 25.5% larger drop in haemoglobin and a 27.6% larger fall in haematocrit. Transfusion rate was 5.2% (3 patients) per group. Conclusion. TA was shown to be effective in reducing blood loss in TKA without tourniquet using Rivaroxaban. Transfusion rates of 5.2% across both groups is close to 1/10th of the transfusion rate reported for some major studies of TKA using Rivaroxaban with tourniquet application, and 1/8th of the transfusion rate in studies of TKA with administration of TA and use of tourniquet. Level of Evidence. Level-III. The authors report there are no relevant disclosures to make. Ethical approval was granted for the study

Blood management protocols attempt to reduce blood loss by strategies including autologous blood donation, red cell salvage, normovolaemic haemodilution and haemostatic agents such as tranexamic acid (TXA). TXA usage in particular has become increasingly commonplace with numerous studies demonstrating a significant reduction in peri-operative blood loss and proportion of patients requiring transfusion, without increasing the risk of venous thromboembolism. Tourniquet usage has now become ubiquitous in TKA operations with reported benefits of improved visualization, shorter operative time and decreased intra-operative bleeding. However, its use is not without considerable complications including wounding dehiscence, increased venous thromboembolism, superficial wound infection and skin blistering. It is therefore imperative that we review tourniquet usage in light of ever evolving blood management strategies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of stopping tourniquet usage in primary TKRs, performed by an experienced surgeon, in light of new blood reduction measures, such as a TXA. A retrospective analysis identified a total of 31 patients who underwent primary TKR without the use of a tourniquet from January 2018 to March 2019. This was compared to an earlier group of patients from the same surgeon undergoing TKR with the use of a tourniquet; dating from July 2016 to November 2017. All surgeries were performed within the same hospital (CXH). Peri-operative factors and outcome measures were collected for analysis. There was no significant difference in post-operative haemoglobin drop (Tourniquet, 23.1 g/L; No Tourniquet, 24.4 g/: p=0.604) and fall in haematocrit (Tourniquet, 0.082; No Tourniquet, 0.087: p=0.604). Allogenic blood transfusion rates were the same in both groups at 12.9% (2 patients) and blood loss was not found to be significantly different (Tourniquet, 1067ml; No tourniquet, 1058mls). No significant difference was found in operative time (Tourniquet, 103 minutes; No Tourniquet, 111.7 minutes: p=0.152) or length of stay (Tourniquet, 5.5 days; No Tourniquet, 5.2 days: p=0.516). Tranexamic acid usage was not found to be significant (p=1.000). ROM of motion and analgesia requirement was significantly better in the no tourniquet group on one post-operative day out of five analysed (p=0.025, p=00.011). No post-operative thromboembolic events were reported in either group. There was no significant difference in readmission rates (p=0.492) or complications (p=0.238). The increase in minor complications and potential increased VTE risk with tourniquet usage must be balanced against an improved visual field and reduced blood loss in TKR patients. Our study found no difference in post-operative blood loss and transfusion rates between tourniquet and no tourniquet groups. With ever evolving and improving blood loss management strategies, including the use of TXA, the application of tourniquet may not be needed. Further prospective RCTs are needed to assess the impact of tourniquet usage in light of this

Objectives. Intra-articular injections of local anaesthetics (LA), glucocorticoids (GC), or hyaluronic acid (HA) are used to treat osteoarthritis (OA). Contrast agents (CA) are needed to prove successful intra-articular injection or aspiration, or to visualize articular structures dynamically during fluoroscopy. Tranexamic acid (TA) is used to control haemostasis and prevent excessive intra-articular bleeding. Despite their common usage, little is known about the cytotoxicity of common drugs injected into joints. Thus, the aim of our study was to investigate the effects of LA, GC, HA, CA, and TA on the viability of primary human chondrocytes and tenocytes in vitro. Methods. Human chondrocytes and tenocytes were cultured in a medium with three different drug dilutions (1:2; 1:10; 1:100). The following drugs were used to investigate cytotoxicity: lidocaine hydrochloride 1%; bupivacaine 0.5%; triamcinolone acetonide; dexamethasone 21-palmitate; TA; iodine contrast media; HA; and distilled water. Normal saline served as a control. After an incubation period of 24 hours, cell numbers and morphology were assessed. Results. Using LA or GC, especially triamcinolone acetonide, a dilution of 1:100 resulted in only a moderate reduction of viability, while a dilution of 1:10 showed significantly fewer cell counts. TA and CA reduced viability significantly at a dilution of 1:2. Higher dilutions did not affect viability. Notably, HA showed no effects of cytotoxicity in all drug dilutions. Conclusion. The toxicity of common intra-articular injectable drugs, assessed by cell viability, is mainly dependent on the dilution of the drug being tested. LA are particularly toxic, whereas HA did not affect cell viability. Cite this article: P. Busse, C. Vater, M. Stiehler, J. Nowotny, P. Kasten, H. Bretschneider, S. B. Goodman, M. Gelinsky, S. Zwingenberger. Cytotoxicity of drugs injected into joints in orthopaedics. Bone Joint Res 2019;8:41–48. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.82.BJR-2018-0099.R1

In recent years, reduction in the length of stay in patients undergoing UKA has gained considerable interest. This has led to development of ‘fast-track' and even day-case protocols aimed at decreasing length of stay (LOS), enhancing post-operative recovery and decreasing post-operative morbidity. One potential barrier to faster discharge and patient recovery is the need for post-operative haemoglobin checks and allogenic blood transfusion; which has been shown to increase LOS. Allogenic blood transfusion itself is not without risk, including immunological reactions, transfusion associated lung injury, infection and transmission of disease, thus reducing blood loss and the need for transfusion is imperative. Currently there is a knowledge gap regarding post-operative transfusion need and blood loss following UKA. We aimed to investigate blood loss and transfusion rates following UKA. Our primary aim was to evaluate the extent of post-operative transfusion need following UKA and identify which patients are at higher risk of needing transfusion. Following institutional approval, a retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) at our level one academic university hospital was conducted. Operative records of all patients undergoing primary UKA were reviewed between March 2016 and March 2019. Patients' pre-operative haemoglobin and haematocrit, BMI, co-morbidities, application of tourniquet, tourniquet time, administration of Tranexamic Acid, need for post-operative blood transfusion, hospital length of stay, complications and re-admission were all recorded. Blood loss was estimated using the post-operative haematocrit. A total number of 155 patients were included. There were 70 females (45%) and 85 males (55%). The mean age was 66±10 years. Median pre-op blood volume was 4700mls (IQR; 4200–5100). Median blood loss was 600 mls (IQR; 400–830). Mean pre-op Haemoglobin was 135±14g/L and mean post-op Haemoglobin was 122±13g/L. No patient had a post-op Haemoglobin under 80g/L (Range 93–154). No patients in our study needed transfusion. A further comparison group of high-blood loss and low-blood loss patients was included in analysis. High-blood loss patients were defined as those losing greater than 20% of their pre-operative blood volume whilst low-blood loss patients were defined as those losing ≤20% of their blood volume. Results of these groups are presented in Table 3. No significance was found between the two groups in patient's demographics and in terms of intra-operative factors including TXA usage (p=0.68) and tourniquet time (p=0.99). There was no difference in terms of post-operative complications (p=1.0), length of stay (p=0.36) or readmission rates (p=0.59). The results of our study indicated that post-operative haemoglobin and haematocrit check proved unnecessary in all of our patients and could have been omitted from post-operative routines. We conclude that routine post UKA check of haemoglobin and haematocrit can be avoided and be saved for special circumstances depending on patient's physiology

Background Hip fractures are one of the leading causes of hospital admissions. Surgical treatment is often associated with significant blood loss, requiring post-operative erythrocyte transfusion. Aim To assess post-operative erythrocyte transfusion rates for hip fractures and evaluate the effect of tranexamic acid (TXA). Method. All patients undergoing surgical repair of a hip fracture at RLBUHT between 1st April 2013 – 30th April 2014 were selected. Data regarding transfusion status and peri-operative TXA use was collected from electronic databases and case notes. Results. 450 patients were admitted with a hip fracture, of whom 441 underwent surgery. Modalities of hip fixation included total hip replacement (THR, n=39), hemiarthroplasty (n=145), dynamic hip screw (DHS, n=116), cannulated hip screw (CHS, n=17) and long (n=71) and short (n=53) intramedullary hip screw (IMHS). 44.2% received a post-operative erythrocyte transfusion, with an average of 2.5 units per patient (range 1–9 units). With all study subjects included, the average transfusion rates for THR, hemiarthroplasty, DHS, CHS, long IMHS and short IMHS were 0.44 units, 0.78 units, 0.97 units, 0.47 units, 1.55 units and 1.19 units respectively. Data regarding intra-operative TXA administration was available for 318 (72.1%) patients, sixty-one of whom received TXA. 27.9% given TXA required a post-operative transfusion (range 0–6 units), compared to 35.4% of patient with no intra-operative TXA (range 0–11 units), p=0.142. Conclusion. 44.2% of patients required an erythrocyte transfusion, with an average of 2.5 units per patient of those transfused. This is higher than rates quoted by other studies including Shokoohi et al who had a transfusion rate of 32.6%. Adherence to local transfusion protocols must be reviewed. There is a tendency for TXA to reduce post-operative transfusion requirements, however in this study, this did not reach statistical significance (p=0.142). A larger, randomised controlled trial is required to assess the role TXA in hip fracture surgery

This edition of Cochrane Corner looks at some of the work published by the Cochrane Collaboration, covering pharmacological interventions for the prevention of bleeding in people undergoing definitive fixation or joint replacement for hip, pelvic, and long bone fractures; interventions for reducing red blood cell transfusion in adults undergoing hip fracture surgery: an overview of systematic reviews; and pharmacological treatments for low back pain in adults: an overview of Cochrane Reviews

The Cochrane Collaboration has produced five new reviews relevant to bone and joint surgery since the publication of the last Cochrane Corner These reviews are relevant to a wide range of musculoskeletal specialists, and include reviews in Morton’s neuroma, scoliosis, vertebral fractures, carpal tunnel syndrome, and lower limb arthroplasty.

Objectives

The aim of this experimental study on New Zealand’s white rabbits was to investigate the transplantation of autogenous growth plate cells in order to treat the injured growth plate. They were assessed in terms of measurements of radiological tibial varus and histological characteristics.

Objectives

To review the current best surgical practice and detail a multi-disciplinary approach that could further reduce joint replacement infection.